The NFL calendar in May is always a fascinating time. Free agency has mostly wrapped up, with a few teams already being crowned "offseason winners" after their spending sprees. The draft is in the rearview mirror—a three-day spectacle where every team somehow managed to pick the perfect player at the perfect spot. And voluntary minicamps are underway, bringing bold proclamations about which veterans look unstoppable and which starting jobs are already locked up.
But one of the biggest storylines of the month is the annual schedule release—another reminder of why the NFL reigns supreme. Fans have known their team's opponents for months, but there's still something electric about learning the specifics: When's the home opener? How many prime-time games does my team get? Any international matchups? And what about that big rivalry game?
For the Cleveland Browns, the 2026 slate is already shaping up to be a thrilling ride. Beyond the usual home-and-home battles with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers, here's the full breakdown:
Home games: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders
Road games: Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, New York Jets
The NFL is expected to drop the full schedule around May 12. While we wait for the exact dates and times, here are five games that should have every Browns fan circling their calendar.
At Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This matchup brings back some serious history. It'll be just the second time the Browns face old friend Baker Mayfield since trading him to the Carolina Panthers in 2022. The first meeting was a nail-biter—Cleveland won that season opener on a last-second Cade York field goal. But this Tampa Bay team is a different beast, and the Browns haven't beaten the Buccaneers on the road since 1989. Can they snap that streak?
Home against Atlanta Falcons
Speaking of familiar faces in new places, the Browns will welcome back Kevin Stefanski—now leading the Falcons. This game is dripping with storylines, from coaching reunions to a clash of offensive philosophies. It's the kind of matchup that feels personal, and the Dawg Pound will be ready to make some noise.